Litter, catnip, treats and toys are all important things for cat owners B次元官网网址� but donB次元官网网址檛 forget a leash.
Despite the common sight of a rogue cat in the neighborhood, City of Victoria bylaws actually mandate that cats remain in the ownerB次元官网网址檚 direct control when theyB次元官网网址檙e in a public setting, which means in a kennel or on a lead.
Cats are also banned from trespassing on private property without an occupierB次元官网网址檚 permission, but since cats donB次元官网网址檛 care for peopleB次元官网网址檚 opinions most of the time that means an outdoor cat also requires a leash.
The bylaws are put forward in part to reduce harm that cats can cause local rodents, birds and pets, and also to prevent unwanted impregnation of other cats.
While the bylaws exist, many people fail to follow them. This prompted local activists to ask Greater Victoria municipalities to add more enforcement measures, such as licensing of outdoor cats.
The Victoria Natural History Society sent letters to 13 municipalities in Greater Victoria asking for tighter regulations.
READ MORE: Victoria Natural History Society asks district to keep cats under control
B次元官网网址淐ats that roam free, whether owned, stray or feral, often lead short, traumatic and painful lives,B次元官网网址� the letter reads. B次元官网网址淭hey also kills birds and other wildlife, and spread disease to other cats, wildlife and humans.B次元官网网址�
The group recommended that domestic cats be licensed, vaccinated against rabies, confined to their ownerB次元官网网址檚 property and physically restrained when off premises. The letter also recommended spaying a neutering of cats over six months of age, unless there are outstanding medical or breeding circumstances. In other words, they asked for the current Victoria bylaws to be spread throughout the Capital Region.
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According to the Victoria Animal Control Services (VACS), both Oak Bay and Esquimalt also already hold onto these bylaws; the only exception between the three municipalities is that Victoria limits owners to six cats, while Oak Bay and Esquimalt limit five.
In the case of a bylaw infraction, VACS will first issue a letter of warning, and if the offence continues a $150 fine can be given if the owner is known. If it is an unknown cat, VACS will impound the cat and try to identify the rightful owner, supplying any medical attention if necessary.
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